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LAHORE, Dec 18 (APP):Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that the fight against extremism is a collective responsibility and lasting peace can only be achieved through unity and practical measures.
He was chairing the concluding session of the two-day strategic planning workshop of the Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, held at the Home Department on Thursday.
The minister emphasized that all segments of society must work together to establish peace, adding that the Punjab government is actively engaging mosque imams, as religious scholars play a vital role in promoting harmony and tolerance.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said that a peaceful and harmonious society can be built through the collective involvement of all stakeholders, particularly the youth, whom he described as the backbone of the nation. He stressed that youth engagement is essential in countering extremist narratives and fostering social cohesion. He added that the provincial government is taking practical steps to ensure inclusive participation in peace building efforts across Punjab.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Interior Punjab Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said that the message of Pakistan must be presented as a joint declaration and action plan to counter violent extremism. He said that writers, teachers, religious scholars, psychologists, media professionals and youth must come together to promote a narrative of peace and love. He added that a workable and measurable strategy is being developed to prevent violent extremism.
During the workshop, actionable recommendations were presented on youth engagement, media and digital resilience, rehabilitation and de-radicalization, while detailed roadmaps focusing on governance, research, capacity building, monitoring and youth participation were also prepared. The workshop was conducted by Deputy Coordination Officer Dr. Ahmed Khawar Shahzad and attended by policymakers, senior security officials, educationists and civil society representatives from across the country.